Unfortunately, the governor is following the wrong syllabus. Though he is right to focus on steering more students into science, technology, engineering and math fields - an effort that began before he took office - his focus on professor salaries and tuition won't help make Florida become the jobs engine the governor envisions.

The best medical system in the world

"Boca Raton retiree's hospital bill: $71.28 for her 3-cent pill".

Florida's job growth is in restaurants and bars

"Florida's unemployment rate fell to 10.3 percent in October — the lowest rate in more than two years — as the state added about 9,500 jobs since the September report."

Growth [in central Florida] and elsewhere has largely been driven by hiring in the leisure and hospitality industry, especially at restaurants and bars. Statewide, the sector is now adding more jobs than any other. Over the year, it has grown by 39,400 positions, a 4.2 percent increase.

"A very dangerous thing"

"HB 639 also declares that so-called 'reclaimed' water is not 'waters of the state' as defined in law until it has been discharged into a waterway. 'That is a very dangerous thing,' Audubon of Florida's Eric Draper said. But bill sponsor Rep. Dana D. Young said utilities need to be encouraged to build reclaimed water systems so water customers can use it." "Concern meets bill exempting treated wastewater from consumptive-use permitting".

New Medicaid deputy secretary

"Florida hires new Medicaid deputy secretary".

"Crist OK'd Greer to be paid extra"

"Depositions in the case of ousted Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer yielded testimony on Thursday that then-Gov. Charlie Crist OK'd Greer to be paid extra for taking over party fundraising, the Orlando Sentinel reports." "Lobbyist tells attorneys Greer took over GOP fundraising with Crist OK".

Week in Review

"The Week in Review for Nov. 14-18".

Good luck with that

"South Florida Congressman Ted Deutch on Friday took up one cause of the Occupiers who are protesting across the country by introducing a constitutional amendment that would ban corporate money from the electoral process." "Deutch proposes to ban corporate money from elections".

TeaBaggers hot for Newt

"On the defense at the same time his position is rising in polls, GOP presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich wooed a friendly Florida tea party crowd Thursday with sharp criticism of President Obama in his history professor style." "Gingrich defends consulting fees with historical style to friendly Jacksonville crowd".

"Canals - some of the state's most polluted waterways"

"After years of legal ink-slinging, missed deadlines and countless hours of mind-numbing scientific testimony, Florida's Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tentatively agreed this month on pollution rules to protect Florida's lakes, rivers, estuaries, streams and springs."

As for canals - some of the state's most polluted waterways - the deal is off if the state decides to exempt all canals in the state from the pollution rules, a move being pushed by some of the state's most powerful industries. If the state doesn't earn the EPA's approval by March, the EPA will impose its own rules - stricter than those the state now proposes - and could take over permitting altogether.

"Confusing and contradictory results"

"Florida has been grading its public schools A-to-F for more than a decade, using a system most educators and parents find easy to understand. During much of that time, many Florida schools also have been judged by the complicated federal No Child Left Behind act, resulting in sometimes confusing and contradictory results." "Trying to clarify school grading system, Florida seeks waiver from No Child Left Behind law".

"Gambling decision requires public buy-in"

The Miami Herald editorial board: "The sudden possibility that one or more full-scale gambling resorts may be coming to South Florida is an exciting prospect, but also a challenging one." "Betting on the future".

Entrepreneurs in action

"The top watchdog for Gov. Rick Scott’s administration has initiated an investigation into controversial contracts between juvenile justice administrators and a Miami-based program that offers services to delinquent girls at the detention center."

The probe by Scott’s Chief Inspector General follows two related investigations by the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Inspector General and the Department of Financial Services’ Office of Fiscal Integrity — both of which concluded that the Girls Advocacy Project had misspent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars. ...

The Miami Herald reported Friday that the juvenile justice inspector general concluded an investigation into GAP’s contracting practices last June, finding the group misspent at least $111,000 meant to provide services for delinquent girls. The expenditures, a 20-page report said, included meals at expensive restaurants, hotel lodging, tickets to a film festival, gifts and flowers.

The fiscal integrity office had recommended that DJJ seek a refund of the questioned expenditures.

Though the report was formally released on June 23, Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Wansley Walters did not seek a refund of the questioned expenses. Indeed, the agency signed a new contract with GAP a week later.

"Good-government voters"

Randy Schultz: "Palm Beach County cities ignore good-government voters".

"The Sybil of Pinellas County"

Daniel Ruth: "Perhaps when he awakens in the morning and preoccupies himself with which tin foil hat to wear to work, Pinellas County Commissioner Norm Roche looks into the mirror and sees a man of mystery staring back."

After all, the commissioner is a man of many identities. Sometimes he is Roche, Norm Roche, crusading public servant inveighing against the evils of that Marxist/Fifth Columnist/Jane Fonda-inspired conspiracy to put zombie-inducing fluoride in the water.

At other moments he is "Reality," a sort of online version of a Guy Fawkes mask, anonymously posting diatribes against his commission colleagues, gays in the military and race. V is for vainglory.

And Roche is also the virtual impresario behind YRTTNRTT, which also has posted unavowed diatribes.

Think of this guy as the Sybil of Pinellas County.

Quarter horse barrel racing

"Florida regulators on Friday rejected requests for administrative hearings lodged by opponents of a new form of pari-mutuel gambling: quarter horse barrel racing. Two associations representing flat-track quarter horse racing interests contend the barrel racing facility in Gretna, just west of Tallahassee, is an attempt to bypass state racing regulations to get a card game room and possibly slot machines." "Fla. dismisses barrel racing opponents' petitions".

According to the report, “researchers discovered that the increasing use of independent spending in Florida allows both large donors and candidates to circumvent the state’s contribution and public financing limits, but poor disclosure laws inhibit analysis of the impact this spending had on the outcome of elections.”

The report also points out that the way groups disclose information presents problems. In Florida, it is difficult to tell who is funding independent expenditures, as well as where the money is going. The groups typically have names that do not really describe what candidate or group they are attached to.

The study also highlights a problem with the limited number of people involved in managing the funds, an issue tackled by The Florida Independent last month.

According to the report, “of the $96.8 million of total independent spending during the study period, $38.8 million, 40 percent of the overall total, was routed through ECOs controlled by just four individuals.” ...

Lastly, the report raises concerns over the types of connections ECOs are allowed to have with candidates in the state. Because there are no rules against politicians and campaigns working with ECOs, the groups can effectively “function as de facto arms of a candidate’s campaign.” This a glaring difference between rules set in place for independent expenditures.

The report concludes by warning that “Florida is typically one of the largest and most important electoral battlegrounds in the nation, but it lacks a comprehensive campaign finance disclosure system.”

“Absent one,” the report says, “the public’s ability to understand their government will invariably suffer. Its elections will continue to be influenced by a shadowy network of ECOs that obscure the connections between wealthy campaign donors and the public’s elected representatives.”

Surging Gingrich hits Jax

"Surging in the polls, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich took his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination to Jacksonville on Thursday." "Riding High in the Polls, Newt Gingrich Hits Florida". See also "Gingrich defends consulting fees with historical style to friendly Jacksonville crowd".

Depos in Greer case deflate fraud allegations

"A lobbyist who was Charlie Crist's chief fundraiser Thursday told attorneys for ousted Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer that the then-governor authorized Greer in early 2009 to take over party fundraising and to be paid extra for it, a Greer attorney reported. The account by uber-lobbyist Brian Ballard is not a get-out-of-jail-free card for Greer, but it makes clear that party insiders had splintered pieces of information about a faltering fundraising operation and that Greer had the authority to take more control."

He did, and now he's awaiting trial on charges he secretly set up a fundraising company and used it to defraud the party of $125,000, part of it by submitting phony bills.

Greer, 49, of Oviedo, says he did nothing improper.

Ballard was one of four people deposed in closed-door sessions Thursday by attorneys for Greer and those with the Office of Statewide Prosecution. His testimony was summarized by Damon Chase, one of Greer's attorneys. Ballard did not return calls for comment.

Others who were questioned include Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos; ousted party fundraiser Meredith O'Rourke; and pollster and political consultant Pat Bainter.

The sessions, which took place at the Tallahassee offices of RPOF attorney Steven Andrews, were closed to reporters.

Chase described Ballard's testimony as "a huge victory for Jim Greer."

He said it showed that Crist -- entering his final year as governor -- was in control and had authorized Greer to save money by taking fundraising out of the hands of an expensive contractor – O'Rourke - and do it himself, along with the party's then-Executive Director Delmar Johnson.

PIP fraud

"Lawmakers are considering a range of options to deal with PIP fraud." "Florida tackles car insurance fraud".

Scott warms up to media

"Scott meets with 'The Post': Hot for jobs, lukewarm on casinos".

"Myriad political connections"

"Even Sen. Don Gaetz, who failed in his effort to push through a complete merger of the expressway authorities earlier this year, says. 'The bill won’t pass.' He attributes his pessimism to the myriad political connections to the authorities." "Toll collection merger plan could be dead on arrival".

Florida "a pathetic, prostitute-seeking John"

Scott Maxwell believes he's "finally figured out what Florida is in the eyes of corporate America: a John."

A pathetic, prostitute-seeking John with a wad of money and a small sense of self-worth.

Why do I say that? Because Florida has essentially given up on trying to be a state where businesses want to come. Instead, we keep trying to lure them with cash.

The latest news has Gov. Rick Scott wanting to more than double his incentives bankroll — we're talking $230 million of your tax dollars to throw at companies next year.

Sure, some states attract companies with an educated workforce, good transportation and a high quality of life.

And then there are states like Florida that rely on corporate welfare.

Unfortunately, we're not even very good at it.

Not only is Florida's economy still worse than most states, but as the Sentinel's Aaron Deslatte has been reporting, many of the jobs we've tried to buy never even materialized.

Yep, even when we pay for it, we don't always score.

State officials can't explain why. Heck, they can't even tally how many jobs we're owed.

You'd think that would be a call for greater accountability. Instead, the Department of Economic Opportunity called for another $130 million of your money.

"Free Market Sugar Act"

"The high costs of American sugar, coupled with quotas that make it near-impossible for the product to be imported, have led two congressmen to file a bill that would overhaul the way the industry does business. One of the bill’s sponsors, Danny Davis, D-Ill., tells the Independent that filing the 'Free Market Sugar Act' was a no-brainer, considering the impact that sugar prices have had on his constituents." "Free Market Sugar Act sponsor: High sugar prices have caused ‘outflow of jobs’".

Florida remains in the lead for housing woe

"With 24.5 percent of the nation's foreclosures, Florida remained in the lead this week for housing woe - an unenviable position it will hold long after other regions of the country recover, economists said Thursday." "Longer recovery forecast for Florida".

Meanwhile, The Palm Beach Post editorial board writes that although "Floridians cannot expect Gov. Scott to solve the foreclosure crisis by himself, but Floridians should expect Gov. Scott at least to understand the crisis." "Editorial: Scott must start to buy in".

Occupy Florifa

"About 100 people protested Thursday night during rush hour at the Interstate 4 overpass ... in south Orlando." "Occupy Orlando demonstrates on I-4 overpass during rush hour".

Nelson, Mack race "a tossup"

"A potential U.S. Senate matchup in Florida between Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson and Republican challenger Connie Mack was rated a tossup on Thursday by the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics." "Nelson-Mack Senate race rated a toss-up".

Immigration detention center delayed

"Decision on South Florida immigration detention center delayed till December".

AIF, Chamber gambling kerfuffle

"The battle over "destination resorts" in Florida is pitting two of the state's largest business organizations against each other, with one rejecting a casino company's $25,000 check and bid for membership. An aggressively pro-gaming stance by the Associated Industries of Florida has renewed speculation about AIF's agenda and members."

Erika Alba, who chairs the AIF's board of directors, is public affairs director at Foley & Lardner, a law firm that lobbies for the Genting Group, a gaming company vying to build "the world's largest" hotel-casino in Miami.

But AIF officials point out that their casino crusade pre-dated Alba's chairmanship.

“The full AIF board votes on all association positions. Our position on destination resorts this year is consistent with positions taken in prior years by previous AIF boards," said Jennifer Fennell, spokeswoman for AIF.

"Any assertion that a single member of AIF’s board guides the association’s positions is patently false," Fennell said.

Meanwhile, the Florida Chamber of Commerce continues to tilt in the opposite direction -- rejecting any casino expansion.

“The Florida Chamber has a longstanding position, dating back to the early 1990s, opposing the expansion of gambling. Our position is not for sale," said chamber spokeswoman Edie Ousley.

"Florida's unique failure"

The Saint Petersburg Times editors: "If Florida is going to continue to use the death penalty despite its cost and potential for killing people for crimes they did not commit, it should let no lesser standard apply. It's time for the state to join other death penalty states in requiring a unanimous recommendation from the jury before a death sentence."

Florida's hand is already being forced on the issue. In June, a federal district judge in Miami ruled that Florida's unique failure to require unanimous agreement by juries in recommending the death penalty is unconstitutional. The state has appealed.

But Florida lawmakers should have gotten the message long before this past summer that something was amiss. Florida has the dubious honor of leading the country in death row exonerations: 23 since the death penalty was reinstated in the 1970s. That raises the very real specter that Florida has executed individuals who were not guilty of capital crimes. ...

Florida needs to have a broader conversation on the overall efficacy of capital punishment. Until then, the Florida Legislature should embrace the notion of unanimous jury recommendation as a small but long-overdue step to provide a bit more fairness in administrating the ultimate sentence.

"Secret alter ego"

"Fellow politicians blasted Pinellas County Commissioner Norm Roche on Thursday for using a secret alter ego to zing them, straining city-county relations and the commission's own dynamics at a crucial time." "Fellow officials slam Roche".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Roche's conduct unfit for public office".

Runnin' gub'ment like a bidness

"State investigators say Vicki Lopez Lukis, a well-connected former Lee County commissioner now living in South Florida, used her contracts with state juvenile justice administrators for personal gain, buying meals at steakhouses and sushi restaurants, gifts for friends and lawmakers, tickets to a film festival and flowers, spending taxpayer dollars on cell phone roaming charges in Europe, and paying off staffers' parking tickets."

Using state money, a report says, she purchased office furniture and computer equipment — at a cost of thousands of dollars — from a company owned by her husband and son. And, documents say, she "falsified" records to justify being paid for services that weren't rendered.

The report issued by the Department of Juvenile Justice's inspector general in June said at least $111,000 meant to provide services for delinquent girls was misused. The state's financial watchdog recommended that DJJ get its money back.

But just a week later, the juvenile justice department — now headed by Lopez Lukis' longtime friend, Wansley Walters — inked a new contract with Lopez Lukis' group, the Girls Advocacy Project. The state has yet to ask for a refund.

Easing foreclosure crisis

"With Florida atop or near atop the list of foreclosure-ridden states, lawmakers on Thursday began looking again at ways to speed up the handling of foreclosure cases that now can take two years or more to wind their way through the courts." "Senate Eyes Ways to Ease Foreclosure Crisis".

Budget talks may be delayed

"Haridopolos open to delaying budget deliberations".

GOPers suddenly like that reger'lation stuff

"Just months after Florida lawmakers tried to strip away crucial protections for residents of assisted-living facilities, legislators are now radically reversing course in what could lead to the biggest changes in state law in a generation."

The hearing was held just months after some of the same lawmakers pushed nearly two dozen bills in the past session calling for removing key regulations — including portions of the residents' bill of rights.

Most of those bills died just days after a Miami Herald series was published in May revealing that residents were dying nearly once a month of abuse and neglect, but most of the homes were allowed to keep their doors open.

Teamsters oust PBA as state corrections officers rep

"The Teamsters union ousted the Police Benevolent Association as the leader of the bargaining unit for the Department of Corrections in election results announced Thursday."

The PBA, which represented correctional workers for more than three decades, has 15 days to contest the election, but executive director Matt Puckett said that appears unlikely. After the waiting period, the Teamsters will become the official bargaining unit for nearly 19,000 corrections workers.

Puckett said the PBA would continue to its involvement in two lawsuits against the state: one challenging the privatization of prisons in South Florida, in which the Legislature has appealed an initial ruling in favor of the union, and one challenging mandatory pension contributions that local Teamsters units also have joined.

Worth millions

"One-Third of Florida's Congressional Delegation Worth Millions".

Bembry, D-Madison to challenge Southerland

"Leonard Bembry, a businessman and farmer, was elected to the state House in 2008 and re-elected in 2010. He challenges Republican Steve Southerland, elected to the congressional seat in 2010." "Rep. Bembry to seek 2nd District congressional seat". See also "Leonard Bembry to Challenge Steve Southerland".

Florida makes "American Dream-killers" list

"The Center for American Progress recently highlighted what it considers to be the 'Top Five Efforts by Conservatives to Make It Harder to Escape Poverty.' Included in this list of 'American Dream-killers' is Florida’s controversial law requiring welfare beneficiaries to take a drug test before receiving benefits." "Welfare drug testing law makes list of top five efforts to ‘kill the American dream’".

Medical-loss ratio waiver request delayed

"A state request to free Florida health insurance companies from spending at least 80 percent of premiums on medical costs has been delayed by the federal government. The U.S. Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight extended its own deadline by 30 days." "Florida health care waiver request delayed". See also "Current: Feds to take more time on Florida’s waiver for health insurance profit cap".

Instead of examining those questions or seriously studying the value of private vs. public prisons, lawmakers working with Gov. Rick Scott merely slipped into the state budget a measure that provided for the farming out of 29 prisons and corrections operations in 18 South Florida counties to private contractors.

The Florida Police Benevolent Association, representing 19,000 corrections officers and fighting off inroads from another union, went to court. It won a sensible ruling that, yes, existing law provides for privatization but through a considered process, not jamming it through in a one-year budget. The Legislature is appealing.

Of course, this is an issue of whether the savings for the state, if realized, and profits for the industry will come at the expense of jobs, job security and benefits for government workers.

"Glittering promises and pitches"

"In the debut debate over the resort casinos bill Wednesday, the head of Genting Americas offered legislators glittering promises and pitches — from guaranteeing non-stop flights between Asia and Miami, to $1.7 billion in new revenue to the state, to the purchase of thousands of Disney World tickets for resort patrons."

But the sales job, including the creation of 100,000 jobs, seemed “over the top” to the Senate sponsor of the bill and even to some of the Las Vegas companies that also want a piece of the action. The bill’s sponsor said Genting’s presentation may have backfired on the company.

“They actually kill their own case because, based on what they want to do, they’re going to put all the pari-mutuels out of business and every restaurant in Miami — and a couple hotels too,’’ said bill sponsor Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, a Fort Lauderdale Republican, after the meeting of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. Genting’s numbers for the economic potential of three $2 billion mega resorts proposed in her bill, she said, “are over the top.”

During the two-hour committee workshop, potential competitors to Genting took aim at the company’s spectacular claims, and some took a swipe at the Bogdanoff’s bill as well. The bill calls for allowing three giant resort casinos to be built in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Always a teabagger

"While some see Rubio's bill as a genuine attempt to get something moving in the nation's capital, others view it as a smart political move from a fresh face, widely touted as a vice presidential contender. For his part, Rubio says he has no plans to serve as the nation's No. 2." "Sen. Marco Rubio says bipartisan jobs bill built on common ground".

Despite the meaningless gesture, Rubio remains a teabagger to the end "Despite Working with Democrats in the Senate, Marco Rubio Fires Away at Obama".

Robaina leads the way for Hernandez

"After longtime Mayor Raul Martinez suffered a spectacular defeat at the polls in his comeback bid Tuesday, the incumbent mayor wears the crown in Hialeah politics." "Robaina led the way for Hernandez victory".

Proposal to merge toll collection functions

"The proposal is short of the full consolidation considered last year in the Senate, but does urge lawmakers to contract for a study to consider the issue further." "Expressway authorities should merge toll collection functions, task force urges".

Grubbing for wingnuts

"Former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, now running in a crowded Republican primary to see who will emerge to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, looked to highlight his right-of-center credentials as he reached out to conservative bloggers and media on Wednesday."

While trailing in the Republican primary polls to GOP rivals U.S. Rep. Connie Mack and former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, Hasner insisted that his campaign is in good shape, pointing to solid fundraising in the third quarter, winning a straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference event in Orlando in September, and endorsements at the state and national level.

Florida dodges medical loss ratio requirements

"Florida will have to wait to hear whether it will be exempt from the new medical loss ratio requirements required under federal law, state officials learned Wednesday. The federal government sent a letter to the state advising that it would take another 30 days to determine whether it should exempt individual carriers from meeting a requirement that 80 percent of the premium it collected for individual policies be directed toward patient care." "Feds delay decision on new medical loss ratio requirements".

Entrepreneurs in action

Nancy Smith: "Even with the greedy insurance industry and the robber financial institutions and the lineup of fat Fortune 500 pharmaceutical giants, Spirit Airlines still makes my list of Top 10 Suckiest Companies in America. ... never mind that they're a Florida company ... some of Spirit's cheapest advertised fares don't include the cost of fuel, which can add on anywhere between about $11 and $76, depending on mileage flown." "Spirit Airlines, the Scum of the Skies: Just Ask Spirit Passengers".

"Cain stumped Wednesday morning in South Florida"

"Returning to the state that made him a rising star seven weeks ago, Herman Cain stumped Wednesday morning in South Florida as a different candidate, nagged by questions about his foreign policy expertise and his handling of sexual harassment allegations." "Herman Cain stumbles on Cuba question in South Florida". Related: "Is he ready? Cain's gaffes raise some questions" and "In West Palm Beach stop, Cain stresses 'clarity,' 'leadership,' downplays gaffes".

"Field hearings into Florida’s controversial new voting law"

"Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has granted Sen. Bill Nelson’s request for field hearings into Florida’s controversial new voting law that many say could disenfranchise minorities, young voters and low-income citizens."

Durbin replied in a letter yesterday saying he agrees that “regardless of its state intention, Florida’s new voting law will almost certainly disenfranchise a wide swath of young, minority, senior, disabled, rural and low-income voters.” ...

Durbin wrote that he will hold a “field hearing of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights in Florida … that will explore the impact of the Florida law, as well as the impact of similar laws recently passed in neighboring states.”

Nelson also sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder requesting that the Justice Department launch an investigation into whether the “new state voting laws resulted from collusion or an orchestrated effort to limit voter turnout.”

Florida is currently waiting for a ruling on controversial aspects of the law from a court in the District of Columbia.

"The latest salvo"

"A panel charged with keeping Florida's workers' compensation delivery system running smoothly wants the state to cap how much physicians can charge for dispensing prescriptions to injured workers. The decision is the latest salvo in an intense battle that has been going on for the past two years and has resulted in vetoes, a near-veto override push and lots of campaign contributions." "Workers' comp panel votes to limit drug, outpatent charges".

Lobbyists rolling in dough

"Legislative lobbying firms reported earning up to $42 million in the third quarter of this year, according to disclosure forms that were due late Monday. The totals represent a likely increase from the same period a year ago, continuing a string of quarters showing growth over 2010. Income for legislative and executive branch lobbyists combined was between $31.3 million and $74.7 million." "Lobbying income continues to grow".

Mock funeral

"To call attention to its ongoing struggle against power company Progress Energy’s plan to install 100-foot power poles through the downtown area, the fishing town of Apalachicola will stage a mock funeral for itself on Sat., Nov. 19." "Protesting Progress Energy, town to stage mock funeral for itself".

"Las Vegas-style slot machines have arrived at 'Casino Miami Jai-Alai'"

"Las Vegas-style slot machines have arrived at Casino Miami Jai-Alai, in anticipation of the facility’s planned January reopening as a jai-alai fronton/slots casino." "1,050 slot machines arrive at Miami Jai Alai".

Scott squanders public dollars on out-of-state law firm

"Florida has spent nearly a half-million dollars - and could spend even more - with a large, well-known law firm that has connections to both the Republican Party of Florida as well as Gov. Rick Scott."

Since August the state has paid nearly $400,000 to the law firm of Alston and Bird to defend a new state law that requires public employees to contribute 3 percent of their pay to the state pension fund.

The firm was hired at the urging of the Scott administration which asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to approve paying the firm hourly rates at $495 an hour or nearly $300 more than what is normally allowed.

The Scott administration and Bondi have defended the hiring of the firm, saying it specializes in the kind of litigation that the state is now involved in.

But the firm's roster also includes a one-time business associate of Scott.

"Just trying to help a constituent"

"State Sen. Greg Evers has been subpoenaed for a Florida grand jury's investigation of tree removal by a billboard company."

Senate President Mike Haridopolos said Wednesday that Evers, a Baker Republican, told him he was just trying to help a constituent.

That constituent is Bill Salter Outdoor Advertising Inc. of Milton.

The grand jury in Tallahassee is looking into Salter's removal of some 2,000 trees along Interstate 10 in the Florida Panhandle.

Hawkes resigns

"Unable to negotiate a penalty short of being removed from office, 1st District Court Judge Paul M. Hawkes is resigning from the court to avoid facing a trial before the Judicial Qualifications Commission." "Facing ethics trial, 'Taj Mahal' courthouse Judge Paul Hawkes says he's resigning". See also "1st DCA Judge Paul Hawkes resigns".

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "As Hawkes attempted to defend the indefensible, he first claimed that the appellate judges were jointly responsible for the new courthouse when public records show that is not the case. When that didn't work, he berated F. Wallace Pope Jr., the Clearwater lawyer ably prosecuting his case before the JQC. When he couldn't spread the blame, intimidate Pope or persuade the JQC to dismiss the charges, Hawkes had no one else left to bully. The only way to avoid more ridicule in a public trial was to resign from the appellate court." "Gavel should fall on 1st District Court of Appeal judge Paul Hawkes' career".

Vern's partner gets a pass ... for now

"A federal judge has denied the Federal Election Commission’s motion to fine a former business partner of Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, over contributions made to Buchanan’s 2006 and 2008 campaigns."

Buchanan himself has not been punished by the FEC, even though, at the time of the alleged reimbursements, he was majority owner of the dealership. Instead, the FEC fined his former business partner, Sam Kazran, and the dealership the two co-owned together, Hyundai of North Jacksonville.

U.S. District Judge Roy Dalton yesterday denied the FEC’s “Motion for Partial Summary Judgment,” which would have fined Kazran nearly $68,000 for the reimbursements. In his ruling, Dalton writes that the FEC “does not provide any guidance in its Motion” and “rests its case primarily on certain statements made by Kazran, which the FEC contends conclusively establish that Kazran solicited others to make campaign contributions in their own names and either advanced the money or promised to reimburse them.”

Though Kazran has admitted to knowing about the reimbursement scheme, he has long maintained that Buchanan was the one orchestrating it. The Independent has spoken with two former Buchanan employees who backed Kazran’s story.

According to Dalton, Kazran’s statements “are not judicially binding admissions,” as he proceeded without legal counsel and may not have known that he was admitting to liability. In his own words, Kazran says that he is a “political outsider” who had no knowledge of campaign finance laws and was only following his boss’ orders.

Stating that “the Court is not persuaded by the FEC’s position,” Dalton adds that he is “reluctant to grant partial summary judgment on the issue of liability where the FEC’s theory of liability is unclear, especially where one theory may suggest that individuals who are not defendants in this enforcement action may have violated the statute as well.”

Chamber, AIF push for tax

"Out-of-state online-only retailers will cost the state roughly $450 million next year by not having to collect and pay Florida's government for sales taxes on online purchases, according to a study released Wednesday by the Florida Alliance for Main Street Fairness."

The alliance, which includes the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida, held a conference call Wednesday as they continue to pressure state legislators to close the existing tax loophole that gives a sales and marketing advantage to out-of-state online dealers.

Legislators have been reluctant to tackle the issue, as it could be seen by consumers as a new tax when making an online purchase.

"Free Market Sugar Act" filed

"The high costs of American sugar, coupled with quotas that make it near-impossible for the product to be imported, have led two congressmen to file a bill that would overhaul the way the industry does business. One of the bill’s sponsors, Danny Davis, D-Ill., tells the Independent that filing the 'Free Market Sugar Act' was a no-brainer, considering the impact that sugar prices have had on his constituents." "Free Market Sugar Act sponsor: High sugar prices have caused ‘outflow of jobs’".

Orange Dems

"State Rep. Scott Randolph is the new chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party." "Randolph to lead Orange Democrats".

"Renewed lobbying battle looms"

"A Senate committee Wednesday approved two claims bills that are priorities of Senate President Mike Haridopolos -- but a renewed lobbying battle looms about a proposal to award more than $15 million to a Broward County man."

But Pete Antonacci, a lobbyist for the sheriff's office insurer, said the bill is part of a "scheme" by Brody's attorneys to bring what is known as a bad-faith lawsuit against his client. Antonacci said the insurer is willing to pay $8.5 million to Brody to settle the dispute but has been rebuffed.

"$8.5 million is a lot of money,'' Antonacci told the committee. "It's real cash, and it purchases a lot.''

But Lance Block, an attorney for Brody, said $8.5 million would not cover the costs to care for the Broward County man, who suffered brain damage and was in a coma for six months after the accident.

Block argues that the insurer, which operated as Ranger Insurance Co. at the time of the accident, had repeated opportunities to settle the case for $3 million before it went to trial. A Broward County jury in 2005 awarded $30.6 million to Brody, but state sovereign-immunity laws place a $200,000 limit on what the county could be forced to pay without lawmakers approving a claims bill for a larger amount.

"The insurance company handled this case so egregiously -- that is why they're offering $8.5 million,'' Block said.

Teabagger exposed

"Reality is a pseudonym for [Pinellas County commissioner] Norm Roche, who won office last November. Roche has written as Reality for several years — before and after he was elected — attacking political correctness involving gays and racism and what he considers shoddy reporting by the Times."

Roche has written as Reality for several years — before and after he was elected — attacking political correctness involving gays and racism and what he considers shoddy reporting by the Times.

Roche defended the comments as his free speech right and a necessity in the Internet era. He said using an assumed name removes the risk that comments are dismissed for partisan reasons.

"A lot of it can be rhetoric and rants. Unfortunately it's part of our communication base now, and you have to be part of it, you have to track it," said Roche, a 49-year-old Republican whose countywide district includes St. Petersburg. ...

Asked this week if he was Reality, Roche said: "Yeah, yeah I have posted under Reality and Norm Roche. Sometimes in the discussion thread."

The comments are often posted before and after workday hours or on weekends.

A recently registered commenter also uses the acronym YRTTNRTT, which the commenter said stands for You Read The Times, Now Read The Truth.

Records show Roche bought the domain name yrttnrtt.com through GoDaddy.com in July — he estimates it cost him $20 — but it hasn't launched.

Roche is a longtime critic of the Times. He singled out a 2006 editorial criticizing his unsuccessful commission campaign against Calvin Harris. Roche's brother ran as a write-in candidate, restricting the election only to Democrats. The editorial noted Harris was a leading African-American officeholder, and Roche inferred he was being accused of racism.

When his rebuttals on that and other topics were not published as he wanted, Roche said he began looking for alternatives.

Reality announced in a Web comment Oct. 12 that yrttnrtt.com site was "coming soon." That announcement came after the County Commission voted 4-3 to stop adding fluoride to drinking water. Roche — and Reality — supported the decision, and criticized news coverage that scrutinized or criticized his stance and the tea party's role.

As the chairman of the American Conservative Union, he admits his reaction was “Wow” when he saw how conservative the Legislature had become.

“It was a wow moment for the movement,” Cardenas said Tuesday as the ACU released its first conservative ratings of the Florida legislature. “You let these experts come up with the matrix and they came with an analysis of dozens of bills and figured out which were best to home in on and then you grade them.”

Of the 160 members of the Senate and House, 106 – all Republicans – scored at least an 80 when graded on 19 topics eyed by the Washington, D.C.-based ACU.

The topics range from teacher tenure reform, property insurance reform, immigration reform, pension reform, health care, and ultrasound requirements to red light camera repeal, spending caps, charter schools and virtual education expansion.

"The 2012 political chessboard"

"Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney dashed across the state Monday raising cash at three private fundraisers."

In Tallahassee, we're told, he veered into some talk about the 2012 political chessboard.

Romney predicted a tea party favorite would win Iowa and that he would take New Hampshire. Romney told the crowd he would seal the nomination by then winning Florida's Republican contest.

"Act would repeal the sugar loan program"

"A bill recently introduced by congressmen from Pennsylvania and Illinois could have a far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, much of which is based in South Florida."

The Free Market Sugar Act would repeal the sugar loan program and amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (known as the Farm Bill), perhaps the most important piece of legislation impacting U.S. sugar interests. Written every five years, the Farm Bill helps sugar growers with farm subsidies (which some dismiss as “corporate welfare”) and a series of quotas that tightly control the supply of imported sugar, a benefit to the handful of American sugar producers who pocket around $1 billion in excess profits a year, and a detriment to candy companies that buy U.S. sugar at prices two to three times higher than the global market rate.

Rubio's "admittedly modest legislation"

"Looking for what he called “rapid action” on the economy, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio joined Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware in tearing apart the various Republican and Democratic and White House jobs proposals in search of some rare common ground."

The two introduced their admittedly modest legislation, known as the “Agree Act,” on Tuesday. It won’t break any new ground, both said. What it might do is inspire confidence in the economy as well as reassure business owners and investors that Washington isn’t completely gridlocked, Rubio said.

Cain making a strong push in South Florida today

"Some of the luster’s off Herman Cain’s presidential campaign, but he’s making a strong push in South Florida today to help him stay on top in the nation’s most-important swing state of Florida." "Herman Cain campaigning in South Florida today". See also "As poll numbers fall, Cain makes S. Fla. swing Wednesday, including West Palm Beach".

PIP

"A Florida House committee will begin discussions Wednesday to answer the call for reform of personal injury protection auto insurance by Gov. Rick Scott and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater." "Legislative Efforts Underway to Salvage PIP Auto Coverage from Rampant Fraud". See also "Governor and CFO team up on PIP proposal".

Union haters drooling

"Pat Santeramo, the longtime president of the Broward Teachers Union, will not be in charge of the union while he is under investigation by the Florida Elections Commission and the Broward State Attorney’s office for his handling of union dollars." "Broward Teachers Union president not in charge while under investigation". See also "Broward Teachers Union faces uncertain future".

Florida "ground zero for Medicare fraud"

"Medicare officials will target Florida and seven other states next year to try to prevent fraud by previewing claims before they are paid for some medical services and equipment. Florida was selected for the demonstration project because it has one of the highest rates of improper payments, another sign that it is ground zero for Medicare fraud." "Medicare will screen for fraud in Florida".

"They've already proven themselves at being prostitutes"

"Gov. Rick Scott's top jobs officials were told Tuesday to find a better way to track tax incentives the state has spent or else risk getting less cash next year."

Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, told [Enterprise Florida CEO Gray] Swoope the state should not pay any companies for the "privilege" to relocate to Florida.

He said the state should do a better job of "taking care of existing businesses" and that low taxes and fewer regulations should be incentive enough to attract new job creators.

"They don't need to be paid to move here because normally when you pay a company to move here, as soon as that incentive is done they're looking for the next state that's going to put some more money on the table, and they relocate again because they've already proven themselves at being prostitutes," Bennett said.

Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, chairwoman of the subcommittee, scolded Bennett for the ribald language saying, "It's a little early in the morning for that, Sen. Bennett."

Another education flim flam?

"Jax senator wants 2 percent of all gaming money for education".

Gambling scramble

"Gambling scramble: Palm Beach County considers slots vote; Fla. senator wants casino agency to run Lottery". See also "Sen. Bogdanoff aims to rope Lottery into gaming commission", "Bogdanoff: Bye Bye Dept. of Lottery" and "Orlando-based No Casinos supporting Hialeah case".

Haridopolos trying hard to do the right thing

"Senate President Mike Haridopolos is reviving his efforts to pass a claims bill for a former Brevard County man convicted of murder on the strength of faulty evidence and lying witnesses." "Haridopolos says House won't 'play games' with claims bills again".

Vern among America’s wealthiest 1 percent

"According to new information released by USA Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, is among America’s wealthiest 1 percent, currently under attack by Occupy Wall Street protesters." "Florida congressman part of the 1 percent".

"Nothing good happens for the Everglades unless the federal government pushes"

The Palm Beach Post editorial board: "Correctly, U.S. Interior Department Secretary Ken Salazar wants to make nice with Gov. Scott on the Everglades - but not too nice."

... the Obama administration believes that in this most crucial of swing states it can use the Everglades as a campaign issue against a governor whose poll numbers and standing with environmental groups are lower than the president's. Politics aside, the record shows that nothing good happens for the Everglades unless the federal government pushes. We would like for Mr. Salazar to keep pushing.

Atwater goes after lawyer referral services

"Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater on Tuesday called for a ban on accident lawyer referral services, like 1-800-ASK-GARY and 411-PAIN, which have proliferated on television, Facebook and other media in recent years." "Atwater targets referral services".

While Romney has take socially liberal positions in the past -- notably during his two statewide bids for elected office in Massachusetts in 1994 and 2002 -- his supporters insist he now stands with social conservatives against abortion and in favor of the role of religion in the public square.

The Romney team also gained the backing of a number of prominent Florida conservatives, including Reg Buxton, publisher of the Naples Journal and the North Naples Journal; former congressional candidate and Christian Family Coalition activist Marili Cancio; educator John Giotis; Adam Goldman, formerly with Florida Right-to-Life and now on the board of advisers of the conservative James Madison Institute; Margi Helschien, vice chairwoman of the Palm Beach County Republican Party and president of the Boca Raton Republican Club; Kissimmee Vice Mayor Art Otero; Marion County Commissioner Stan McClain; Leslie Steele, who handled communications for former Gov. Jeb Bush; attorney Patricia Strowbridge; and Don Mullins who served as an aide to House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park.

The Romney team also includes a number of prominent religious conservative leaders, including Rodney Akers who is the immediate past president of the Florida Conference of United Methodist Men; Pastor Derek Janney and Rev. John-Erik Moseler of Orlando Baptist Church; First Coast businessman and Catholic activist Joseph Helow; pro-life activist Mac McGehee, vice president of Mac Papers; and Miami-Dade activist Warren Lutz, who has led efforts against gambling and for legally preserving traditional marriage.

West twofer: both a "chump" and "the worst person"

"Planned Parenthood’s new “Women are Watching” campaign features Allen West on its list of 'chumps,' a designation reserved for congressmen and congresswomen with the lowest scores on women’s health policies." "Allen West featured on Planned Parenthood’s list of ‘chumps’". See also "Keith Olbermann's Worst Person: Fla. Rep.-Elect Allen West - 12/15/10".

"Power and bullying in the Florida Legislature"

The Saint Petersburg Times' Daniel Ruth: "It's merely a theory, mind you, but as we witnessed last week you can be more tone deaf than Yoko Ono and still rise to great heights of power and bullying in the Florida Legislature."

Exhibit A: state Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Snidely Whiplash. ...

Big shots like Alexander the Grate are used to getting their own way. People fear if they don't grovel in humiliation, they may find their funding requests disappear faster than a Syrian dissident.

But then Alexander, R-I Am The God of Hell-Fire, crossed paths with 20-year-old Michael Long. And Long didn't give a rat's patootie about the chairman's knee-trembling reputation for being Tallahassee's answer to Liberty Valance.

Long, a New College sophomore, is the lone student representative on Florida's Board of Governors, which was mulling over the USF Poly breakaway republic request. And so the young man, in an attempt to do his job, paid a visit to the chairman on a fact-finding mission.

Perhaps Alexander, R-Nurse Ratched, thought Long was some 20-year-old punk he could easily browbeat. Perhaps he thought he could impress this naive young man with his power. Or perhaps he was simply denser than a black hole.

During his meeting with Long, Alexander tried to regale the student with hilarious stories about using his perch on the budget committee to extract financial revenge on unfortunate souls who crossed him. He not-too-subtly hinted that if the USF Poly deal didn't turn out to his satisfaction, he would wield his influence against the rest of the state university system.

At the Board of Governors' meeting last week, Long had the chutzpah and the courage of his convictions to publicly call out Alexander, R-Bluto, for the bully that he is.

Attack on local pension plans continues

Sunshine State News trumpets that "While Florida’s pension plan funding is considered one of the healthiest in the nation, nearly a third of the 208 municipal programs in the state hold [so-called] poor to failing marks, according to [a report from (.pdf)] the Leroy Collins Institute at Florida State University." "Nearly One-Third of Florida's Biggest City Pensions are Failing".

"Universities desperate for money after years of budget cuts"

"Desperate for money after years of budget cuts from the state, universities are increasingly turning to out-of-state and online students to bring in more revenue." "Universities Pressing for More Market-Rate Tuition Structures".

No FRS conflict of interest

"State pension chief Ash Williams did not have a conflict of interest when he approved a $125 million investment in a hedge fund managed by a private sector colleague, an advisory panel for the State Board of Administration said Monday." "Panel: Florida pension chief had no conflict of interest".

"Wexler reemerges as a fiery partisan"

"Former Democratic Rep. Robert Wexler reemerged as a fiery partisan today, accusing Republican presidential candidates of undermining America's relationship with Israel by supporting a year-to-year reevaluation of U.S. foreign aid."

With Democrats often playing defense against Republican claims that President Obama is not a strong enough ally of Israel, the Democratic National Committee saw an opportunity to go on the attack after a Saturday GOP debate on foreign affairs.

Problem gamblers

"As Florida lawmakers consider a major expansion of gambling in the state, they are spending less than ever to keep gamblers from getting hooked or to help those who have a problem." "State diverts cash collected to aid problem gamblers".

Charter madness

"The state Department of Education and a national nonprofit are rolling out a $30 million fund to help grow high-performing charter schools in Florida." "State launches charter school competition".

Confused lil' Fla-baggers

"Birther sheriff heckled at Orlando tea party gathering (Updated)".

"Lawmakers there at the behest of that company"?

"The sponsors of Florida casino legislation tested their message at a private focus group conducted by national pollster Frank Luntz over the weekend, Sunshine State News has learned."

The focus group, convened Saturday in Miami, heard from state Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, and Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale. The group also viewed video presentations showing the Genting Group's plans to build the "world's largest casino."

Up to 35 local residents participated in the exercise, which one participant described as a promotion for the project.

"All speeches were pro-gambling," said a Miami resident who spoke on condition of anonymity. "At one point, we were asked how we felt about a foreign investor."

The audience was also queried about Miami becoming the "New Singapore, as if that were a good thing," the participant related.

A spokeswoman for the Malaysia-based Genting Group said the Luntz session was paid for by Associated Industries of Florida, a strong supporter of the casino legislation. Neither Luntz nor AIF responded to Sunshine State News' requests for comment. ...

As for the audience, the unnamed participant said there was spirited debate about the relative value of adding 10,000 or more low-paying service jobs at a casino.

The focus group member came away with the impression that Luntz's program was conducted "for a specific casino company and that the lawmakers were there at the behest of that company."

"Limits of Florida's open government law"

The Daytona Beach News Journal editorial board: "William Stetson Kennedy, a civil rights crusader who died in August at 94 years of age, ignited an interesting and important discussion about the limits of Florida's open government law. " "Florida should guard public input at meetings".

Hialeah hee haw

Fred Grimm: "Lord Henry’s legacy lives on in Hialeah".

What's wrong with Hillsborough?

"Tea party, old guard compete in Hillsborough GOP race".

Lil' Marco's "tricky act of political maneuvering"

"With growing signs that Hispanic voters are turned off to GOP positions on immigration, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is trying to use his national profile to deliver a message to his party: Tone it down."

“The Republican Party should not be labeled as the anti-illegal immigration party. Republicans need to be the pro-legal immigration party,” the Florida lawmaker said on Fox News Monday morning.

The appearance follows other efforts in the past two weeks — including a story in the Wall Street Journal and a speech in Texas — in which Rubio has criticized inflammatory immigration rhetoric.

“You’re talking about somebody’s mothers and grandmothers and brothers and sisters,” Rubio, the 40-year-old son of Cuban immigrants [or is that "exiles"?], said in Dallas.

“He’s stating the obvious,” said Tyler Moran, policy director for the National Immigration Law Center. “It’s good Rubio is stepping out, but it has to be followed by action. His actions in the Senate haven’t matched this new rhetoric.”

Beginning with the 2010 campaign, Rubio has adopted the Republican line on tough enforcement policy, sometimes seeming to contradict himself. For example, as a state representative he co-sponsored legislation to give children of illegal immigrants in-state college tuition but now says he opposes that.

He initially indicated he was against the Arizona law but then he supported it after changes were made, ensuring he would not suffer among the conservative base he was courting in the race against then-Gov. Charlie Crist.

In the Senate, Rubio opposes the DREAM Act, which would create a path to citizenship for some children of illegal immigrants. He also supports a background check for workers called E-Verify.

Democrats say those stances and others — once highlighted on a national stage —would push Hispanics away.

While the list remains a work in progress, the original five myths have seen some tweaking since they were first reported in August as an effort by Chief of Staff Steve MacNamara to help bolster Floridians' knowledge and perception of the governor.

Big of him

"Stearns backing effort to raise wages for disabled".

Never mind that Supremacy Clause thing

"Christian conservatives are planning a campaign to amend the Florida Constitution to define a fertilized human egg as a person."

The idea, in Florida and states around the country, is to eliminate all abortions – including in cases of rape, incest and to protect the life of the pregnant woman.

The preemption doctrine derives from the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution which states that the "Constitution and the laws of the United States...shall be the supreme law of the land...anything in the constitutions or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding." This means of course, that any federal law--even a regulation of a federal agency--trumps any conflicting state law.

Public has no right to be heard at public meetings

"A court fight over the public's right to be heard at public meetings has ended in a legal stalemate of sorts, leaving the issue open to be fought over for another day."

William Stetson Kennedy, a civil rights legend with deep roots in Central Florida died earlier this year at 94. Part of the legacy Kennedy left behind was a lawsuit he filed in 2009, claiming he was wrongly kept from speaking at a public meeting.

Last week, the 5th District Court of Appeal affirmed [without comment] a trial court decision that found Kennedy's rights were not violated when he was not permitted to speak out against a water treatment plant two years ago.

The treatment plant has since been built on the St. Johns River in Seminole County.

The trial judge had agreed with a 1st District Court of Appeal ruling, which found Floridians did not have a right to speak at public meetings.

"Preventing the execution of innocent people"

"Legal experts are taking a look at Florida's death penalty and preventing the execution of innocent people." "Legal experts focus on Florida death penalty".

Right wing laff riot

Nancy Smith writes that "The Post [a newspaper Ms. Scott apparently has never read], ever in defense of a union like PBA, grouses that the bid [for private prisons work]likely will go to Boca Raton-based Geo Group, which poured $1.5 million into Florida GOP campaigns in 2010." "Yes, Rick Scott Does Have the Authority to Privatize Prisons".

"His fate rests with an administrative law judge"

"Nearly a year after leaving office, Frank Peterman is still fighting to clear himself of charges that he misused his position as head of Florida's juvenile justice agency through excessive travel paid for by taxpayers."

In two days of hearings last month, two former top aides described Peterman's frequent flights between Tallahassee and his hometown of St. Petersburg as causing morale problems. They said he kept flying between the two cities — even after a legislative order banned travel by other workers unless it was critical to the agency's mission.

Peterman is fighting a ruling by the Commission on Ethics, which found probable cause that his trips to St. Petersburg violated ethics laws. Now his fate rests with an administrative law judge.

The cornerstone of Scott's campaign was his 7-7-7 plan: He boasted that he would create 700,000 private-sector jobs in seven years through seven steps (like cutting state spending, eliminating government regulations, and enticing companies to Florida with taxpayer handouts). He said over and over that his jobs would be in addition to the 1 million jobs that economists then estimated would have been created as a result of normal growth — no matter who was governor.

You don't have to be a weatherman to see which way the wind is blowing: The hot air of Rick Scott's campaign promises has turned into a snow job that is having a chilling effect on the Florida economy and that will freeze us out of prosperity for the foreseeable future. He's burying us in an avalanche of flaky economics, out of which it will take us decades to dig.

Dem "path flows straight through Florida"

"The congressman leading Democratic efforts to retake the House next year is counting on the Sunshine State to play a pivotal role. Democrats need to gain 25 seats to win back their majority, and 'our path to 25 seats flows straight through Florida,' said Rep. Steve Israel of New York, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee." "Democrats look to Florida in hopes of retaking House".

"Orchestrated effort to dampen turnout among Democratic-leaning constituencies"

The Saint Petersburg Times editorial board: "Florida Republican leaders have tried to sell voting changes they passed last spring as a mere attempt to thwart fraud. But as a dozen other states have joined the campaign — nearly all Republican-controlled — it appears to be an orchestrated effort to dampen turnout among Democratic-leaning constituencies in the 2012 presidential contest."

Supporters of the new laws claim they are necessary to prevent voter fraud and to keep illegal immigrants from voting. But that is a ruse. The Justice Department under President George W. Bush made voting fraud a priority. Yet a study of a three-year period between 2002 and 2005 found only 38 voting fraud cases prosecuted, with 14 of those ending in dismissals or acquittals.

The big electoral problem isn't voter fraud; it's a system now designed to keep some Americans from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

"A university system as mediocre as the Legislature"

Randy Schultz: "If the Legislature tries any harder to run higher education in this state, Florida will have a university system as mediocre as the Legislature." "Cheer, cheer for old, above-average Florida".

Casino advocates challenge state economists' predictions

"Resort casinos would boost state coffers next year by about $155 million, mostly from licensing fees, but the net benefit to the state once the resorts are in full swing in 2015 would be only between $4 million and $102 million a year, according to state economists." However,

The sponsors of the bill, Fresen and Republican Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff of Fort Lauderdale, said the economists based their estimate on provisions that they have already agreed to change.

"The revenue reduction will no longer exist when this bill is passed,'' said Bogdanoff. She emphasized, however, that the goal of the bill is not to raise revenue for the state but to establish a "strategic direction" for the state's hodge podge gaming policy. "This is not a budget debate."

Fresen said he and Bogdanoff plan to amend the bill to give the five South Florida pari-mutuels the same tax rates and games the resort casinos would get.

Fla-Baggers merely a Republican front group

"GOP voters 'still trying to shop around'".

"University lobbyists are among the system's highest paid"

"University students who rail against tuition hikes, program cuts and administrator salaries that they say are better suited to corporate boardrooms are finding an unlikely ally: Republican Gov. Rick Scott."

By posting the salaries of 52,000 employees of the state's public universities on the Internet, Florida's multimillionaire chief executive has helped fuel the placard-waving student crowd at recent Occupy Wall Street-style protests on state campuses.

Among the revelations: University lobbyists, poised to ask lawmakers for another round of 15 percent tuition hikes in 2012, are among the system's highest paid, The Palm Beach Post found in a review of the records.

"There's a lot of talented administrators, and they have to be compensated. But while students have been asked to suffer, I don't see the same kind of pain being put on the administration," said Gonzalo Viscardo, 21, a Florida Atlantic University economics student who helped organize two protests on the campus in the past month.

Rubio = Palin

"Marco Rubio for vice president? Florida Democratic chairman Rod Smith predicts it won't happen. He even compares putting Rubio on the ticket in 2012 to putting Sarah Palin on the ticket in 2008."

"Sen. Rubio is untested right now on the national stage and I don't think anybody would take a risk on him,'' said Smith, who served in the state Senate while Rubio was in the state House. "The last election, if it shows anything, is that you can get some internal excitement from an untested choice, but an untested choice can come back to bite you."

"Romney benefiting from the mistakes of his first run"

"Romney is benefiting from the lessons and mistakes of his first run. By this time in the last race, he was up on TV in five states, including Florida, and was engaged in a high-priced war for campaign talent. This go-around, Romney has yet to advertise anywhere. He had at least eight paid staffers in Florida last time; now he has five."

Another shortcoming of the 2008 bid was Romney's broad focus. He tried to have something for everyone and a focus on social issues exposed his contortions on abortion and gay marriage. This time, the message is focused on the economy and Romney is playing up his business background. Paradoxically, he's most often in casual dress, an effort to seem down to earth. He's trying to be less wooden, a trait that dogged him in 2008.

Cain campaign spokesman's sexual harassment story

Recall that Cain's campaign spokesman, J.D. Gordon, had "filed a complaint against Miami Herald reporter Carole Rosenberg, telling the paper she had subjected him to 'multiple incidents of abusive and degrading comments of an explicitly sexual nature.' Nothing came of the complaint." "Miami connections".

McGovern returns to Miami

"George McGovern, coming to Miami, talks GOP, Dolphins, Tea Party".

Daddy's boy the best they can do?

"Mack just entered the race and is benefiting from name recognition. His father, Connie Mack III, is a former U.S. senator." "Connie Mack IV starts strong in U.S. Senate poll".